Plan Your Visit

COMING TO LUMIERE? USE THE MAP TO LOCATE OVER 40 ARTWORKS IN DURHAM CITY AND BISHOP AUCKLAND

  • The programme features over 40 installations including works by Ai Weiwei and Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. The artworks are numbered and marked on the map across Durham City and County: Ticketed (pink), Un-ticketed (blue) and County (green).

    As well as transforming the buildings and streets of Durham City, Lumiere 2023 extends its programme to Bishop Auckland, as part of a biennial spotlight on the wider Durham County.

    Remember, you only need a free ticket to see the artworks in Durham city centre between the peak-times of 16:30 – 19:30.

  • Your one-stop-shop for planning your visit. Featuring a map and artwork, travel and visitor information.

    Buy it for £3 at the Lumiere Visitor Hub or order via the Lumiere Shop and collect ahead of the event from:
    Lumiere Visitor Hub, 1 Millennium Place, Durham DH1 1WA 

    Opening times:
    Saturday 11 November – Tuesday 14 November: 11:00 – 16:00
    Wednesday 15 November – Sunday 19 November: 11:00 – 23:00

  • The app is back and better than ever for Lumiere 2023!

    It’s the must-have companion to navigate your way around Durham City and Bishop Auckland. Enjoy new features, including an interactive map and live updates.

    Download for free from Google Play and the App Store before you visit.

    Enable your location and notifications, as prompted during initial startup, for the best experience.

  • Please note there’s a one-way system from The Cathedral, out of the College and down to Prebends Bridge. You will not be able to turn left out of College Green unless you have reduced mobility.

    If you’re walking up the Riverside footpath route from Prebends Bridge to Framwellgate Bridge, there is no access for wheelchair users or buggies are not permitted.

  • Curious about Lumiere?

    Visit the Visitor Hub in the Gala Theatre Gallery in Millennium Place, Durham DH1 1WA to chat to one of our friendly Volunteers.

    Opening times:
    Saturday 11 November – Tuesday 14 November: 11:00 – 16:00
    Wednesday 15 November – Sunday 19 November: 11:00 – 23:00

    • For your safety and security, Lumiere reserves the right at its reasonable discretion to conduct security searches of visitors, clothing, bags and all other items on entry and exit and to confiscate items which may cause danger or disruption to the event
    • Plan a meeting point with your group in advance of your visit
    • There will be a visible police and security presence. If you are unsure of anything, our security personnel, stewards and volunteers are on hand to assist you
  • Lumiere opens from 16:30-23:00 each night.

    The Spotlight on Bishop Auckland will run between 17:00–22:00 each night.

    Last admission to Durham Cathedral installations is 22:30.

    Illuminated Bottle Rack by Ai Weiwei in Durham Cathedral is likely to be extremely popular. Why not visit earlier in the day? It will be open for extended hours: from 10:00–15:30 during the day, and 16:30–23:00 in the evening. On Sunday 19 October, installation is open from 12:00 – 14:00, and 16:30–23:00 in the evening. Entry is not guaranteed.

    You will need a free peak-time ticket to visit the artworks Durham City centre (in pink on the map) from 16:30 – 19:30. You must enter within your allocated time slot.

  • You do not need a ticket to attend  Lumiere 2023.

    There are a limited number of peak-time tickets available for Thursday and Friday – book here.

    But, remember, peak-time tickets are only needed to see the artworks in Durham City Centre between 16:30 – 19:30. If you have a ticket, you must enter within your allocated time slot.

    You can see all the artworks without a ticket from 19:30 – 23:00 each night.

    There are three ticket barriers: Elvet Bridge; Claypath and Framwellgate Bridge. If you want to visit the artwork within the Market Place, it is best to use either Claypath or Framwellgate Bridge. There is no access to the Market Place from the Elvet Bridge entrance.

    You don’t need a ticket to visit the Spotlight on Bishop Auckland.

    • Wrap up warm and wear weather-proof clothes
    • Wear sensible footwear, like walking shoes
    • Your PDF ticket either printed or on a fully charged smartphone
    • Travel light and leave large bags and rucksacks larger than A4 size (210 x 297cm) at home
    • Guide dogs are welcome at Lumiere, but due to the number of people expected to attend it is unsuitable for family pets
    • Leave umbrellas and buggies at home
    • The following items are prohibited within the event site:
      -offensive weapons
      – pyrotechnics
      – drones
      – flyers
      -illegal drugs
      – bicycles, skateboards or scooters
      – handcarts

    Right of Admission Reserved (ROAR)

  • Have you booked dinner or drinks in Durham City centre during Lumiere ticketed hours (16:30 – 19:30)?

    To enter the ticketed area, you will need to show a booking confirmation provided by the restaurant.

    If you have not received a confirmation from the restaurant and your booking is during peak-hours, please contact the restaurant directly. If you do not have a booking confirmation on your phone or in print, we cannot guarantee that you will be allowed through.

    Please ensure you give yourself extra time to arrive at your destination. There is a fast-track lane in place at the ticketing barriers where booking confirmations will be checked.

    If your booking is after 19:30, you won’t need to show your reservation to enter the city centre.

    Please contact [email protected] for more information.

  • A map of Durham City showing the routes andthe areas of the city with narrow or steep streets or uneven terrain.

     

  • Everyone has different needs and for 2023 we are aiming to provide as much factual information as possible. We have a series of x4 maps on this page to provide information about routes, sensory information, accessible parking, accessible toilets. 

    Durham is famed for its cobbled, steep and winding streets. This means getting around some of the installations can be challenging for some people. If it rains the cobbles can get slippery. Lumiere is an event that takes place outside at night and the streets will be very busy at times. Thursday and Sunday nights are usually quieter times to visit.

    Please refer to Map 1: Routes above, which shows areas of Durham which are steep, narrow or which have a poor surface. The routes are rated from 1 – 4. Route 1 is an ‘advisable pedestrian route’ and Route 4 is a ‘non accessible route for wheelchair users’. Lift access and one-way system are also shown.

    Please note, that on the Riverside footpath route from Prebends Bridge to Framwellgate Bridge, there is no access for wheelchair users or buggy access. There is an alternative route via South Street.

    Saddler Street, Owengate & North and South Baileys are difficult for buggies and wheelchair users because of steep cobbled streets.

    Access to Walkergate requires the use of the slip road up onto Claypath as steps to Millennium Place. There is also a lift servicing the car park.

    If you have any questions or need more information to plan your route, please get in touch with us at [email protected]

  • There will be local assistance points along the route managed by Lumiere volunteers to help wheelchair users and other audience members with reduced mobility. In cases where audience members with mobility needs do not feel they can continue on the trail, they will be guided against the flow to the nearest suitable location.

    Where the route is not suitable for wheelchair users or buggy access, an alternative route will be suggested by our Volunteers, where possible.

    From Saturday 11 November, our volunteers at the Visitor Hub ( Millennium Place, Durham City) will be briefed to provide access support, including which route to take.

    If you have any questions or need more information to plan your route, please get in touch with us at [email protected].

  • Map showing accessible parking and road closures in Durham City during Lumiere.

  • Please refer to Map 2: Accessible Parking and Road Closures for information about parking in Durham City and Bishop Auckland.

    There isn’t a dedicated Blue Badge car park, but all of the Park and Ride car parks for Lumiere have Blue Badge parking bays which are available on a first-come, first-served-basis (shown on Map 2). All buses have accessible facilities and the Park and Ride sites at Belmont, Sniperley and Howlands have accessible toilet facilities.

    Concessionary bus pass holders can travel for free.

    We do not recommend parking in Durham city as the peninsula area will be closed to traffic from 14:00 each day and there will be additional road closures and parking suspensions. However, if you still choose to do so, there is accessible parking available in the multi-storey car parks in the city centre.

  • All accessible bays located within the road closure areas have been suspended.

    Blue badge holders can use other available on street pay & display bays free of charge and without time limit when they display their blue badge.

    Dedicated blue badge bays are available in many off street car parks although numbers are limited.

    In addition, The Sands multi-storey car park (operated by Durham County Council) has accessible parking. Durham City car parks – Durham County Council

    These car parks are available for parking but are exempt from ‘Free after 14:00′:

  • A map showing Accessible and Changing Places Toilets.

  • There are both accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities available in Durham City and Bishop Auckland during Lumiere. Refer to Map 3: Accessible and Changing Places toilets.

    Please note, the accessible toilet in Bishop Auckland Town Hall is open 10:00 – 16:00 and 17:00 – 2:00 on all 4 days for Lumiere. As you can see there is a 1-hour closure from 16:00 – 17:00. The toilet is on the 1st floor with lift access.

  • A map showing sensory Information above, which indicates where specific types of spaces have been identified. This includes bright, dark, busy, quiet, noisy and smelly spaces.

  • Please refer to Map 4: Sensory Information above, which indicates where specific types of spaces have been identified. This includes bright, dark, busy, quiet, noisy and smelly areas.

    Lumiere is a very popular event and large numbers are expected to attend. It is always busiest in Durham peninsula (the pink area), which this year will be ticketed during peak-time hours: 16:30 – 19:30. There are plenty of artworks located outside of the peninsula where it will be less busy, and you may prefer to visit these instead.

    Thursdays and Sundays tend to be quieter, so you might consider visiting on these days or later in the evening (after 20:00).

    A designated Quiet Room is available at St Nics church, on Market Place in Durham City for individuals who need a break from sensory stimulation. Open from 18:00 – 23:00.

    Noise-cancelling headphones and earplugs for visitors with sensory sensitivities are available in the Lumiere Visitor Hub  (Gala Theatre Gallery, 1 Millennium Place, Durham, DH1 1WA) and the Quiet Room.

    Sunflower lanyards will be available on request from the Visitor Hub at Gala Theatre in Millennium Place. Our Lumiere Volunteers and stewards will be briefed to understand that the wearer has a hidden disability and may need additional support.

  • Prior to the event (up until 16 November): Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

    During the event (16 – 19 November): Speak to our volunteers at the Lumiere Visitor Hub (Gala Theatre) who will try and assist.

    Feedback: We welcome feedback from disabled visitors to assess their experience and gather suggestions for improvements. We use the information to refine the accessibility plans for future exhibitions. Please contact [email protected] with any feedback.

  • We strongly advise that you use public transport or leave your car at one of Durham County Council’s many Park & Ride sites. The P&R sites are pinned on the interactive map below.

    Using the Park & Ride means that you don’t have to worry about where to park your car and are less likely to get stuck in traffic jams.

    If you’re travelling to Durham via train, the train station is approximately a 10-minute walk from the city centre

    Visit the Durham County Council website to find more information about Travelling to Lumiere including bus, train and taxi services and travelling to installations outside of the city centre.

  • Please note that taxis will not be able to enter the ticketed area of Durham city centre or reach areas where road closures are in operation between 14:00 and 02:00 each night during Lumiere.

    Temporary taxi ranks are located at Old Elvet and Rear of Durham Bus Station (North Road).

  • Durham County Council’s Park & Ride will be operating an enhanced service right through the festival with up to 6,000 parking spaces at any one time

    The Park & Ride means that you don’t have to worry about where to park your car and are less likely to get stuck in traffic jams.

    Thousands of parking spaces will be available with regular shuttle buses running until 23.30.

    Shuttle fare is £2 per person.

    More information about Park & Ride including operation times

  • There are a limited number parking spaces are available within the grounds of County Hall on a first come first served basis, for visitors wanting to “Park and Stride”.

    The walk into the centre of Durham is approximately 20 minutes.

    • Belmont, DH1 1SR( 600 spaces) 
      • Bus stop: Leazes Bowl/Leazes Roundabout (Eastbound Stop)
    • Howlands Farm, South Road, DH1 5UL (488 spaces) 
      • Bus stop: New Elvet (Northbound Stop)
    • Annand House, Meadowfield,DH1 5ES (2000 spaces – weather dependent) 
      • Bus Stop: Sutton Street (Eastbound Stop)
    • New College, Dryburn Road,DH1 5ES (933 spaces) 
      • Bus stop: North Road, Opposite Station Approach (Northbound Stop)
    • Sniperley, DH1 5RA (300 spaces) 
      • Bus Stop: North Road, Opposite Station Approach (Northbound Stop)
  • Are there any concessionary fares? 

    Under-16s go free if they’re accompanied by an adult over 21.

    Concessionary pass holders travel for free. PopCard users can use their cards at Belmont, Sniperley & Howlands. There is no machine at Annand House or New College so Pop card users would have to pay full fare at those sites.

    When is the last Park & Ride bus? 

    Approximately 23:30.

    What times will the Park & Ride sites be locked up?

    None of the sites will be locked during the festival. If festival goers return late by taxi, they will still be able to retrieve their cars.

    No security after 00:00 midnight. Cars are left overnight at owner’s own risk.

  • Letters have been posted to residents and businesses in affected areas with information about parking restrictions and road closures.

    As always, there will be a number of road closures around the city to ensure that Lumiere runs smoothly for everyone. The historic peninsula of the Durham City will be closed to cars from 13:00 and other areas will be closed from 14:00 – 02:00 from 16 – 19 November 2023.

    Find out if you’re affected by road, parking or footpath closures.

  • All accessible bays located within the road closure areas have been suspended.

    Blue badge holders can use other available on-street pay & display bays free of charge and without a time limit when they display their blue badge.

    Dedicated blue badge bays are available in many off-street car parks although numbers are limited.

    In addition, The Sands multi-storey car park (operated by Durham County Council) has accessible parking. Durham City car parks – Durham County Council

     Car parks operated by third parties

    These car parks are available for parking but are exempt from ‘Free after 14:00’.

    Please see Durham City car parks  for more information about car park opening times. 

  • Bishop Auckland is approximately 30 minutes by car from Durham City.

    To travel by train, visit National Rail to plan your journey. The nearest station is Bishop Auckland. 

    From Durham Station you will need to take a bus to Bishop Auckland or take the train to Darlington Station and get off at Bishop Auckland station. 

    The artworks are located in the Market Place which is a 15-minute walk from the train station. 

    Free Parking

    Some free parking is available during the festival between Thursday 16 and Sunday 19 November at:

    • North Bondgate Car Park, DL14 7PG – free from 16:00
    • Newgate Centre Car Park, DL14 7PF – free from 18:00 – 23:00

    Paid Parking

    Find information on other Bishop Auckland car parks